NSC dissolves 3 Sports Associations in structural reform

The National Sports Council (NSC) has officially dissolved three associations—Bangladesh Kite Association, Para Archery Association, and Kyokushin Karate Association—through a government notification issued on Tuesday.

With this decision, the total number of federations and associations under NSC has been reduced from 55 to 52. The move marks the first major structural reform in the country's sports administration since the enactment of the National Sports Council Act 2018.

Despite the dissolution of their independent identities, the three associations have been merged with related existing federations. The Para Archery Association has been incorporated into the Bangladesh Archery Federation, Kyokushin Karate into the Bangladesh Karate Federation, and the Kite Association into the Bangladesh Country Games Association.

Among the three, only Kyokushin and Para Archery were relatively recent, formed within the last two years. The Kite Association, however, has existed for nearly two decades. While kite festivals have remained popular, the association’s activities have long been inactive, prompting the council’s decision.

The NSC stated that the mergers would expand the operational scope of the receiving federations. However, it remains unclear whether corresponding financial support or administrative benefits will be increased to accommodate the added responsibilities.

Apart from cricket and football, the NSC is currently forming ad hoc committees across other federations and associations. So far, 47 committees have been formed in phases. Of the remaining five, the Women’s Sports Association and the Bangladesh Shooting Federation are still awaiting official committee announcements.

The delay, particularly concerning the shooting federation—which has brought international success for Bangladesh—has drawn attention within the sports community. In the absence of a governing body, shooting activities remain largely stagnant.